Vans

HEALY is capable of accommodating six standard 20-foot long ISO container type Science vans. Three van positions are located on the main deck aft and positioned such that two can open into the vessel's interior and provide access to the Main Lab. The other van can be positioned to open to the aft working deck. Two vans can be located port and starboard of centerline on the forecastle and an additional van can be located on the starboard side of the 02 level directly aft of the RHIB.

The vans on the forecastle are subject to heavy weather exposure and should be limited to all steel cargo container type. Maximum weight of each van and contents is 15 tons. Also, depending on van weight and location, a commercial crane (sometimes a barge crane) may need to be hired by the Science Party to put it on and take it off the ship. Ship crane limitations to support van on load are 5 tons aft and 3 tons forward.

For missions planning to utilize vans as manned work spaces, it is imperative that the climate be considered & vans with adequate heating and insulation are acquired to ensure personnel are working in safe conditions. Air temperature is often well below freezing. The ship does not have the ability to provide direct heating to science vans. Service options to the vans may include: various electrical power configurations (110 VAC to 440 VAC), compressed air, uncontaminated seawater, hot/cold potable water, auxiliary seawater, SDN port, and intercom. Van requirements need to be identified early.

Science programs on Healy requiring a general purpose lab van or an isotope lab van are advised to contact the Healy Marine Science Coordinator to ensure that a UNOLS van pool request is initiated as soon as possible. In 2009 NSF funded the construction of a UNOLS general purpose van and an isotope van which are intended for Arctic use and Healy has the first right of refusal. Other vans are first come first serve so it is advised to identify the need early in the cruise planning process. The ultimate responsibility for obtaining a van is with the PI of the project itself.

The Chief scientist and PIs are encouraged to review the UNOLS Van Shared-use Agreement. In the case of deploying a UNOLS shared use van on Healy> the “User” is defined as: the Principal Investigator and his/her science project itself.

It is important to note that stable isotope laboratory work is not permitted inside the skin of the ship and therefore a UNOLS isotope van, or equivalent, will be required.